Besler named an MLS All-Star

Sporting Kansas City defender and Kansas City native Matt Besler has been selected to play in the 2011 MLS All-Star Game.

Besler received nearly three times as many votes via text voting than any other MLS player, the league announced Sunday.

The All-Star Game will take place at 7:30 p.m. July 27 at Red Bull Arena as the MLS All-Stars square off against Manchester United.

"I want to thank all of the people who texted to vote for me, and I am honored to be named as the AT&T Text Winner for the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game," Besler said in a press release. "I look forward to representing Sporting Kansas City against Manchester United again."

Besler, an Overland Park native, played at Blue Valley West High School.